A SCHOOL has won its battle over waiting curbs near its grounds in Yarm.

Stockton council has backed off from increasing restrictions on the roads near Yarm school.

The school had opposed the plans, saying very young children could be put at risk and that the move would spark a scramble for parking spaces on residential streets.

After hearing that a special meeting decided to give the school what it wants, head teacher Mr David Dunn said: "I am delighted.

"The council has acknowledged that we are working hard to alleviate traffic problems."

The council had wanted to change waiting time restrictions on The Spital from the current 4-5pm to 3.45-5pm.

But as part of Monday's decision, the council is now adding a section of nearby Goose Pastures to the area covered by curbs.

Police and council traffic engineers made the recommendation through delegated powers.

"This decision will help with our plans to phase the departure of pupils at the end of the school day," said Mr Dunn.

The head said the school had done a lot of work in trying to alleviate traffic problems by staggering leaving times for the three age groups.

To change to 3.45 would have affected the very young ones, he said.

Yarm town council wrote to Stockton in support of the school.

Mr Dunn said the school had been trying to work with the council, police and parents to ease congestion around its gates.

Measures include more staff patrolling outside, a reminder to parents of the law and a plea for them to be as sensible as possible when parking.

Mr Dunn also changed the school day to create an earlier start and finish to get away from the peak rush hours. Pupils now have to be in at 8.40.

"I was in The Spital today and every school vehicle was away by 9am," said Mr Dunn. "The huge queues to get into town are often nothing to do with us.

Now, young pupils finish at 3.30, juniors at 3.45 and 4pm for seniors. "Now one wave can leave and be clear of the area before the next lot. It means the last wave is clear by 4.15." IMr Dunn argued that if restrictions were changed to 3.45, the parents of young children usually collected by car would have to park further away.

Mr Dunn was angry that Stockton council did not inform the school of its plans. "I read it from a notice on a lamp-post," he said